Our Fostering team is holding an online information session to give people the chance to find out more about becoming a foster carer
Over the past year, and throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, over 55k foster families provided stable and loving homes to more than 65k children across the UK.
There have also been encouraging reports of increased interest in fostering due to people having had time to re-evaluate their priorities during lockdown and deciding they want to use the skills, experience and love they have to benefit others.
Here in the Borders, our existing team of foster carers has shown tremendous resilience, finding a range of ways to support the young people in their care and also maintain their relationships with the people who are important to them.
The team is now keen to hear from people who may be interested in joining them. They have a particular requirement for respite carers to provide weekend breaks and short term periods of respite care for children living with family members as part of a kinship care arrangement who may be affected by disability.
Online session - Wednesday 21 July, 7pm-8pm
Staff and foster carers will be available on Wednesday 21 July from 7pm8pm via Zoom or other online platform.
For more information and to book a place, email sw.fpt@scotborders.gov.uk, a link to the session will be provided on booking.
Councillor Carol Hamilton, Executive Member for Children and Young People
“Our foster carers cannot be thanked enough for all they have done over the past year for the children and young people in their care. They are incredibly committed at the best of times, but they truly have gone the extra mile through these challenging times and this is hugely appreciated.
“What we’re looking for now is anyone who would like to join them and be part of a team that really does make difference, every day, to the lives of some of our most vulnerable children and young people. The online session is an excellent way of finding out more and asking any questions you might have.
“With both staff and carers present, you’ll have the chance to hear both sides of the story.
“Staff can explain about all the benefits of working with us, payments and allowances that you will be entitled to and details of the training and support that is provided.
“Carers can tell you what motivated them to take up fostering and why they wouldn’t do anything else, giving you a real sense of what it is like to foster on a day to day basis with all the challenges and rewards that caring for a child or young person can bring.
“If you’re unable to make the session, you can also get in touch with the team directly as enquiries are always welcome.”
More information
- our foster carers are given full training and have access to a team of specialist social workers who are on hand to provide support. They are also paid an allowance to cover costs, a weekly fee and receive a retainer for up to eight weeks when they are without a placement. They need to be in reasonable health and in settled circumstances. Thorough checks are undertaken and a full assessment as to their suitability is carried out, including a preparatory training course
- if you believe that you've got the skills and dedication needed to give a child a loving home with the life-changing opportunities that this could bring, now is the time to get in touch. You can contact the Family Placement Team by phone 01896 662799, visit the Fostering pages of our website or follow the Team's Facebook page @ScottishBordersFosteringandAdoption